Michel Cluizel Concepcion Noir 66% 1er Cru de Plantation – Single Origin Dark Chocolate from Concepcion Plantation, Barlovento, Venezuela (18 squares)

Hacienda Concepcion has been growing cacao since 1902 in the Barlovento Valley, east of Caracas in Venezuela, a country renowned for producing some of the best cacao in the world. It produces “Carenero Premier Cru” beans belonging to the Trinitario variety but with a strong Criollo germplasm which is distinguished by its fruity flavours.

Michel Cluizel’s emphasis on perfection starts at the plantation where he insists on only the highest standards of production. No pesticides, no emulsifiers and the exclusive use of sugar cane, cocoa butter and Bourbon Vanilla are a few of the specified standards Michel Cluizel undertakes to meet.

Manufacturer’s notes

I selected this plantation in the valley of Barlovento, to the east of Caracas, for the exceptional quality of its Caranero cocoa beans. In this chocolate, the beans, fermented, dried and polished according to the traditional method used since 1902, let you gradually discover hints of vanilla, honey spice cake and caramel in a remarkable lingering aroma with hints of mixed dried and black fruits.
Aroma – dried fruit, honey, sweet flowers (acacia, jasmine), gingerbread against an exotic wood background, tangy end note.
Flavours – Initially brown toffee with butter, exotic wood, vanilla. The core notes are crystallised fruit, gingerbread and currants finishing with a note of fruity coffee, acid drops, raspberry and lemon.

Tasting Notes

Although this bar is composed of Trinitario rather than Criollo cacao beans, on tasting this no way detracts from the quality of the bar. As with all Michel Cluizel Bars it is immaculately presented with small dark brown squares reminiscent of Brazil nut shells in colour. Subtle but intense aromas of hazelnuts and plum pudding pervade with hints of earthiness. A solid, satisfying snap, develops into a silky satin smooth melt that luxuriously coats your mouth. Flavours are subtle but complex and lingering, with tones of toasted almond, honey, bergamot and butterscotch. Hints of orange peel add further complexity before a dry finish with traces of cinnamon.  

Suggested Tasting Matches

Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls Rimage 2005 Roussillon

Accreditations

GMO free
Fair Trade – Not Accredited but see Manufacturer profile
Organic – Not Accredited but pesticide free